Bengals' Shawn Williams: 'I don't know what else I'm supposed to do'

The Cincinnati Bengals open the 2018 season with a 34-23 win over the Indianapolis Colts.
Sam Greene, sgreene@enquirer.com

Bengals notebook looks at Shawn Williams airing frustration with his ejection against the Colts, concern over A.J. Green's fumbles and Preston Brown's status for Thursday.

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Shawn Williams (36) dives into Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) on the ground, drawing an ejection, in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. (Photo: Sam Greene, )

As reporters circled around Shawn Williams one day after he was ejected for a hit to the head of Andrew Luck, the safety was interested in reversing roles of the interview process.

“If you guys have any suggestions on what I can do to not get a flag and still do my job, then let me know,” Williams said.

He was the first player ejected under the umbrella of the new point of emphasis for illegal use of helmet. Williams will likely receive a fine and any potential suspension for Thursday’s game against Baltimore would be expected to be assessed at some point Monday. As of 5 p.m., the Bengals had not received word of any suspension for their starting safety.

“All I can do is go forward as the starter while I’m playing and they make their decisions,” Williams said.

How he plays will be a more challenging task. Williams said he’s very aware of the new rules and thinks about it to assure he plays within them. He said he was purposely trying to keep his head up while tackling Luck, who was running for a first down and also being tackled by Michael Johnson.

“All the onus is on me to understand,” he said. “I don't know if they want you to know what Andrew Luck is going to do. I don't know what he's going to do. If it was up to me he should slide and give himself up earlier, but he didn't.”

“I didn't use the crown of my helmet,” Williams said. “I didn't use my helmet at all. My helmet might have touched his incidentally. All my contact was with my shoulder and incidentally to his head. I don't know what they want me to do.”

Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin knows what he wants and that involves using better form.

“I don’t think it was meant with any malice,” Austin said. “I just think our technique has to be better. If our technique is better maybe there is an opportunity to avoid having to be judged by New York.”

Head of officials Al Riveron confirmed the referee's decision on the field to eject Williams from the game for the hit. Those replays slow down and show every angle of Williams and his intent. The safety runs in full speed and doesn’t see a small quarterback.

“If you watch him I don't know if he's getting ready to try to run me over,” Williams said. “Don't get it twisted. Andrew Luck is like 6-3, 240, 235. He's way bigger than a lot of DBs. I think he was going to dive, but he wasn't going to give himself up and slide. I don't know what else I’m supposed to do.”

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Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Nick Vigil (59) celebrates safety Clayton Fejedelem's (42) touchdown return in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs for a first down in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) reacts after a run in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) is penalized for unnecessary roughness after hitting Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) is penalized for unnecessary roughness after hitting Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) reactors after being penalized for unnecessary roughness on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) carries the ball in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (27), left, and Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) celebrate a pass break up in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

A Indianapolis Colts cheerleader performs in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) rolls out of the pocket in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) dives for forward for extra yards in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) dives for forward for extra yards in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis watches the game in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals kicker Randy Bullock (4) kicks a field goal in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (27) reacts after nearly intercepting a pass in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) pumps up the visiting crowd in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals safety Clayton Fejedelem (42) returns a fumble recovery for a touchdown in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

A Cincinnati Bengals fans reacts to the victory in the final moments of the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) high fives a fan in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) smiles as he walks off the field after the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Shawn Williams (36), who was ejected in the first half for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12), (not pictured), watches the game in front of the team locker room in the third quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) carries the ball in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

The Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders perform in the fourth quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Cincinnati won 34-23. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) runs for a first down in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals center Billy Price (53) points out coverage before snapping to quarterback Andy Dalton (14) in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) dives for a touchdown catch in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

The Cincinnati Bengals celebrate wide receiver A.J. Green's (18) touchdown catch in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) catches up to Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) as he throws the ball before being called for roughing the passer in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) reacts after being flagged for roughing the passer in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) reacts after being flagged for roughing the passer in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) sacks Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) in the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

The Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders perform after the third quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) leaps over the line for a touchdown carry in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (27) pursues Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) before a tackle in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (27) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ryan Grant (11) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

A pair of fans whoop it up for a TV camera in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) runs from Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) after a catch in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) fumbles the ball as he's tackled by Indianapolis Colts cornerback Chris Milton (28) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) reaches for the ball after fumbling in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals safety Clayton Fejedelem (42) runs back a fumbled ball for a touchdown in the final minutes of the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Bengals fans celebrate a touchdown by Cincinnati Bengals safety Clayton Fejedelem (42) in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis leaves the field after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Bengals begin the season with a 34-23 win in Indianapolis. Sam Greene,

Bengals safety Shawn Williams' had an abbreviated stay in the team's season opener against the Colts as he was ejected from the game for a hit on Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck. The Enquirer / Kareem Elgazzar

The Indianapolis Colts cheerleaders perform in throwback uniforms during the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis returns tot he locker room after warmups before the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Indianapolis Colts defensive back Corey Moore (36) finishes a prayer before kickoff of the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

A line Bengals fan watches from the stands in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) walks back to the sideline after making a tackle following an interception on the opening drive of the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Shawn Williams (36) dives into Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) on the ground, drawing an ejection, in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws on the run in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) appeals for a penalty flag after a play in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) loses the ball for a fumble after catch in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Preston Brown (52) pulls in an interception in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) shouts after drawing an offensive pass interference call in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) scrambles out of the pocket in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) dives for a pass, drawing a defensive pass interference call, in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals running back Joe Mixon (28) runs to the outside on a carry in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Carlos Dunlap (96) gives a pep talk to the defense before the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (15) pulls in his career first NFL touchdown in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) chases after Indianapolis Colts running back Christine Michael (38) in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (15) smiles to the TV camera after his first NFL touchdown catch in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (15) celebrates with running back Joe Mixon (28) after a touchdown catch in the second quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. Sam Greene,

An American flag is unfurled for the national anthem before the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) is unable to complete a pass in the end zone in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton (13) pins a ball for a reception as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback William Jackson (22) defends in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) reacts after a stalled drive in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Preston Brown (52) intercepts a pass in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) is called for pass interference as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) tries to make a catch in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver John Ross (15) reacts after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Quincy Wilson (31) is called for pass interference as Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) tries to make a catch in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) catches a touchdown pass in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) makes a catch in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) reacts and walks back to the huddle after an incomplete pass in the second quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Kroft (81) turns downfield after making a catch in in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Shawn Williams (36) takes off his gloves after being ejected for a helmet-to-helmet his on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) (not pictured) in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) walks back to the bench after an interception in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Preston Brown (52) reacts after intercepting a pass in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) argues with the referee in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) drops back to pass in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) turns after making a catch in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) argues with an official in the first quarter during the Week 1 NFL game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Kareem Elgazzar,

Growing concern over Green's fumbles

A.J. Green has now fumbled eight times in his last 46 games after putting the ball on the turf twice Sunday.

The star receiver did his best to make up for the error by catching a 38-yard touchdown pass from Andy Dalton, but Marvin Lewis wasn’t giving his seven-time Pro Bowler a pass.

“He has to protect the ball,” Lewis said. “We are concerned about that. Anybody that touches the football carries all of us in this building with them. We have to make sure we protect the football. We can’t lose football games because we don’t take care of the ball.”

Green joked his next mandate would be for Tyler Boyd to follow him every time he catches the ball. Boyd saved the day by landing on Green’s second fumble, which would have nullified a critical Randy Bullock field goal to create a four-point lead.

Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green (18) loses the ball for a fumble after catch in the first quarter of the NFL Week One game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018. The Colts led 16-10 at halftime. (Photo: Sam Greene, )

“We’re taught to chase the person with the ball,” Boyd said. “My reaction, that’s my guy, he’s in my room. I’m going to help him up after the play, I didn’t never one time think he’s going to fumble. I was just in the right position at the right time.”

Boyd won’t always be there and a blip on his impeccable career stats grew larger after Sunday.

“I'm definitely disappointed,” Green said. “That's not who I want to become. I just got careless with the ball, a little loose. I've just got to tuck and get down when I need to.”

Injury look

Lewis issued the first weather report of the regular season in regard to injuries. When asked about linebacker Preston Brown, who left Sunday’s game with an ankle injury, Lewis declared him “partly sunny right now” for Thursday’s game against the Ravens.

He did not participate in Monday's practice.

If Brown does have to miss, Hardy Nickerson could again see extra snaps. He filled in late in the game and was part of the decisive fumble by Jack Doyle. He played in place of Vinny Rey, who was still battling back from an injury that kept him out of the preseason.

Carlos Dunlap showed up on the injury report as not participating with a calf injury. Other than that, three players were limited: OL Clint Boling (foot), WR Cody Core (back) and CB Darqueze Dennard (neck).